Waspi (Women Against State Pension Inequality) campaigners stage a protest outside the Houses of Parliament, London, as Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves delivered her Budget last week(Image: Stefan Rousseau/PA Wire)

WASPI women get major update amid hopes for £10,000 payout from DWP

by · NottinghamshireLive

WASPI campaigners are setting their sights on a potential £10,000 compensation from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). They are pinning their hopes on support from a newly-formed parliamentary committee expected to be chaired by Debbie Abrahams.

The previous committee had backed compensation for women born in the 1950s who were hit by the state pension age hike. WASPI (Women Against State Pension Inequality) campaigners stress the importance of the chairperson's role.

Angela Madden, WASPI chair, said: "Debbie Abrahams has put herself forward to be chair of the Work and Pensions Committee. She's a good supporter of WASPI."

She further commented on the process: "First of all, you get the chairs elected, then all the members have to be elected. It takes a bit of time."

"That will happen after conference season. So it's the second week in October by the time they get round to that. By the end of October, the committee should be in place. Then, in November, they might actually start working.", reports Birmingham Live.

The group is demanding justice for women born in the 1950s who faced upheaval when the state pension age for women rose from 60 to 65, aligning with men's retirement age. This followed findings by the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman that the DWP failed to adequately inform the women about the changes, dealing them a harsh and unfair blow.

The watchdog suggested recompense ranging from £1,000 to £2,950, yet it's up to the Government to decide on whether to approve these payouts and their arrangement. Advocates are aiming for higher sums, with certain MPs who previously supported the campaign advocating for compensations of £10,000 or more.

The related legislation was scheduled for its second reading in Parliament prior to the General Election being announced. Ms Madden further commented: "The way Labour MPs will change their mind, if they don't support [the WASPI cause], is if their constituents ask them to."